Coach Francis Vicente, Lady Warriors say first win in years felt like a championship

TEARS flowed as Francis Vicente and the Lady Warriors got big warm hugs from almost everyone on the court — from current and former players, commentators and team officials — as the University of the East hymn rung at The Arena in San Juan.

It felt like a championship, although UE was far from taking home any trophies.

The Lady Warriors on Wednesday afternoon ended a long run of futility after downing a disoriented Adamson Lady Falcons side in straight sets.

That snapped a 58-match losing streak dating to Season 74, almost four years of frustration for UE.

“Hindi sila bumigay hanggang huli noong third set. So ’yun ang nakikita natin nagmamature na ng konti ’yung team eh. So hopefully by next year we’ll be there up there sa standing,” added Vicente, who was hired two years ago.

Vicente said the feeling was much like 2010, when he steered the University of Santo Tomas girls volleyball team to the title.

It wasn’t an easy straight-setter, actually, and Vicente quipped that he wanted to get on the court and help as the Lady Warriors piled.

The Lady Warriors overcame three sets points by the Lady Falcons before sophomore middle blocker Roselle Baliton scored on a running spike to push UE at match point and a quick attack to seal the victory.